Zero Carbon Translation Centre

YMD Boon, appointed through the University of Nottingham Framework, is delivering Lead Designer, Architectural and Principal Designer services for the new Zero Carbon Translation Centre. The facility is designed to bring together hybrid propulsion systems research, enabling early-stage, full system-level testing in collaboration with the University’s industry partners to accelerate the development of zero-carbon technologies.

The centre will support key partners including Rolls-Royce, the Ministry of Defence, and British Aerospace Engineering, providing highly flexible testing environments for the automotive, aerospace, and nautical sectors. The building adopts a robust industrial form, incorporating double-height testing spaces of approximately 6 metres, large roller shutter doors to accommodate HGV access, and a 200sqm external yard and concrete pad to support the hydrogen feed supply.

A series of dedicated testing chambers replaces a traditional single open-plan space, improving flexibility, safety, and adaptability for a wide range of testing configurations. A direct connection to the adjacent engineering building enables seamless movement of approved personnel and services to the main control room. A shop-window frontage and observation gallery introduces visitors to the facility that showcase research activity.

Health and safety considerations were embedded into the design from inception, particularly in response to the on-site storage of up to 300kg of hydrogen and the use of specialist gases. Extensive stakeholder workshops informed the brief, spatial adjacencies, and operational strategy, ensuring robust technical compliance and successful planning approval.

With specialist equipment currently being installed, the Hydrogen Propulsion Lab is scheduled for completion in Summer 2026 and will stand as a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and progress in clean propulsion research.